The newly opened Fairmont Golden Prague sees a brutalist structure upscaled with modern refinement
Prague is an architecture lover’s paradise. Sporting everything from romanesque rotundas, baroque structures, and contemporary facades, the city is a vibrant and tangible depiction of the various architectural movements that have unfolded over the centuries. It’s no surprise then that Fairmont’s latest expansion, formerly known as the iconic Hotel InterContinental Prague, preserves the original building’s architectural structure.
Designed by Czech architect Karel Filsak in 1974, the building displays the architectural clarity of the brutalist style that pervaded post-war Europe, albeit dressed in a sleeker exterior. Located at the gate of Pařížská Boulevard, the renovation of the newly named Fairmont Golden Prague required over five years and €159 million to complete.
Led by chief architect Marek Tichý, the renovation appears, in many ways, to have comprised several restoration projects. While interior spaces feature modern materials and contemporary arrangements, Tichý and his team have preserved the building’s arts and craft elements, including blown glass chandeliers, gilded light fixtures, and ornate ash wood posts.
The result is a property that feels rooted in place. Its 320 rooms and suites reflect a restrained design approach, with dark woods, soft textiles, and neutral tones creating a sense of calm. Traditional Czech glasswork appears throughout, used in lighting and partition details that lend texture and local character. The overall atmosphere is quiet, composed, and deliberately understated.
This sense of restraint mixed with a touch of Czech flair carries through to the hotel’s public spaces, which are designed to feel open yet intimate. The lobby acts as a transitional zone between the building’s history and its present identity, with original 1970s design elements set against curated contemporary artwork. One standout space is Coocoo’s Nest, a café-bar named in homage to Czech-American director Miloš Forman’s 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. It functions as a casual social hub, with views into the connected ground-floor gallery and a menu suited to both early mornings and late evenings.
Dining options across the hotel offer a mix of styles and influences. Zlata Praha, the rooftop restaurant, delivers a seasonal fine dining experience with panoramic views over the Vltava River and Old Town. In contrast, Golden Eye serves modern Asian cuisine in a 1970s-inspired setting, designed with dark surfaces, subtle lighting, and skyline views that give the space a cosmopolitan feel.
“The opening of Fairmont Golden Prague is a significant milestone for Fairmont as we continue to grow the brand’s presence in Europe,” says Omer Acar, chief executive officer of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “ Prague is a city with an incredible story to tell, and we are honoured to play a part in preserving its great heritage.”
